Abstract

Background: It is now evident that there is a strong association between oxidative stress and chronic low grade inflammation in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) pathogenesis. Therefore, simultaneous targeting of these pathways by eugenol which has dual anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant potential might be a therapeutic alternative approach to the current treatment. This study was designed to evaluate the dual targeting effects of eugenol against oxidative stress and inflammatory aspects of PCOS in rats. Methods: Female albino rats were administered letrozole (1 mg kg-1 daily) orally for 21 days for the induction of PCOS, followed by administration  of eugenol (100 mg kg-1 and 250 mg kg-1, oral) for 15 days. Body and ovary weight were measured. Estrous cycle assessment. C-reactive protein (CRP), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), serum insulin, estradiol, progesterone and testosterone were evaluated. Furthermore, antioxidant activity was tested using Malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results: administration of eugenol significantly decrease the elevated weight of body and ovary and normal sexual cycle. Eugenol treatment significantly decreased levels of inflammatory response markers CRP, TNF-α and PGE2 in PCOS rats. In addition, eugenol significantly reduced oxidative stress. Insulin and sex hormones were detected more or less near normal control levels after eugenol administration in PCOS rats. Conclusion: The study provides evidence for the potential ameliorative effects of eugenol against the biochemical and inflammatory aspects of PCOS.